Catholicos of All Armenians Received Bible Society Representatives from Switzerland and Germany
16.10.2017
On October 15, in the Mother See of Holy Etchmiadzin, His Holiness Karekin II, Supreme Patriarch and Catholicos of All Armenians; received a Bible Society delegation from Switzerland and Germany. The group was led by Ms. Eva Thomi, Director of the Swiss Bible Society and Mr. Eckart Schultz-Berg, Member of the German Bible Society and Spiritual Dean of the Lutheran Church of Stuttgart. They were accompanied by His Eminence Archbishop Yeznik Petrosyan, General Secretary of the Bible Society of Armenia, and Mr. Arshavir Gabouchyan, Armenia office program manager. The purpose of the delegation's visit to Armenia is to get acquainted with the programs of the Armenian Bible Society and further prospects for additional cooperation.
During the meeting, His Eminence Yeznik presented to His Holiness the members of the joint delegation, specifically referring to the support they offer to the programs of the Bible Society of Armenia.
The Catholicos of All Armenians conveyed his blessings to the attendees, expressing joy on the occasion of their visit to Armenia.
His Holiness reflected on the main challenges facing the Armenian Church: Christian education of the people, preparation of clergy, restoration and preservation of ancient temples, and construction of new churches. His Holiness noted with satisfaction that today people have enough Christian knowledge and their faith is illuminated; noting also the important contributions made to this by the Bible Society in Armenia.
Speaking about the active work of the Armenian Bible Society and the regularly organized social initiatives, His Holiness stressed that the Society provides great support to the Armenian Church, and due to the work of the organization, many Armenians are not only well-acquainted with the Bible but also have a copy in their homes.
His Holiness also expressed his appreciation to various national Bible companies, Christian Churches and non-governmental organizations for the support provided to the Bible Society of Armenia, to overcome existing challenges. The Catholicos of All Armenians urged them to continue expanding the cooperation and promote the implementation of useful programs.
Ms. Eva Thomi and Mr. Eckart Schultz-Berg offered their greetings to His Holiness. They referred to the important mission of Bible Society, then presented their impressions on a number of programs at the Armenian Bible Society, which they had the opportunity to participate in during their visit.
Following the meeting, the delegation attended the Divine Liturgy in the Mother Cathedral.
